A Penn State landscape architecture faculty member since 1989, Kelleann Foster has served as director of the Stuckeman School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and associate dean of the College of Arts and Architecture since 2014. In 2013-2014 , she was interim director of the school, which also includes the college’s graphic design program, for which she served as acting professor-in-charge from 2016- 2019.

Kelleann has 30+ years of professional practice experience as a landscape architect and has been teaching at Penn State for over 25 years. Her sabbatical, based at Esri’s World Headquarters in Redlands, California, focused on how Penn State’s online geodesign graduate program could most effectively engage students in a collaborative, virtual studio environment. This resulted in the creation of Penn State’s geodesign programs -- a Geodesign Option in the MGIS degree, a Graduate Certificate in Geodesign, and a Master in Professional Studies in Geodesign – all offered entirely online through Penn State’s award winning World Campus. Kelleann has also introduced geodesign to thousands around the world through her MOOC “Geodesign: Change your World.”

Much of Kelleann’s work involves working with communities and dynamically using computer technologies to communicate alternative scenarios to citizens. Her work has received national and international recognition. She also focuses on generating awareness about career opportunities as a landscape architect. Kelleann authored a book, part of John Wiley & Sons “Careers in Design” series, titled “Becoming a Landscape Architect.” In 2014 the book became available in Chinese through Chinese Architectural Press.

When she’s not working, Kelleann can be found exploring the world via bicycle and she enjoys anything connected to chocolate! She is a board member and past-president of the central Pennsylvania land trust, ClearWater Conservancy, and helps with their annual fundraiser “The Art and Chocolate Winter Gala.”

Education

M.L.A., The University of Massachusetts, Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, 1986

B.S. in Landscape Architecture, The Pennsylvania State University, 1982

Licensed landscape architect in Pennsylvania since 1987

Research

Foster's book Becoming a Landscape Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design, has been awarded the PA-DE ASLA Presidential Honor Award. It is designed to be of great interest not only to those curious to learn what landscape architecture has to offer as a career, such as junior high and high school students and anyone seeking a career change, but also to those currently studying landscape architecture in college.

Her research expertise is community design and planning, with particular emphasis on the relationship between regulatory policies and the actual development's impact upon the landscape. Special interests include how this relates to the public and public officials' understanding of the planning process and its products. Foster's work seeks to empower communities through participatory visioning programs that introduce and teach best practices for directing development while improving environmental conditions. It focuses on utilizing computer technologies and photo-realistic image manipulation to communicate alternative community design scenarios and policies to local decision-makers. Ten years ago a research project lead to the formation of the company, The Visual Interactive Communications Group, along with fellow professor Tim Johnson.

Honors + Awards

2010 - Presidential Award of Excellence, American Society of Landscape Architects, Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter Professional Awards Program, for book “Becoming a Landscape Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design,” for Innovative Communication.

Contact Information

H. Campbell and Eleanor R. Stuckeman School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture The Pennsylvania State University 121 Stuckeman Family Building University Park, PA 16802 814-865-6112 | 814-863-8137 (fax)jlf47@psu.edu